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Dandified pockets season’s plum in common canter

By Epsom Ace | 01 Oct 2011 | KOLKATA


Mr. D Khaitan, Mrs. Y Khaitan & trainer Vijay Singh leading Dandified (C Alford Up), winner of The Calcutta Monsoon Derby (2011) Grade-III

Those present at the Calcutta race course on Saturday were witness to the most amazing sight – it may not be wrong to draw a parallel with spotting Haley’s Comet which passes the earth every 75 years. The Calcutta Monsoon Derby saw its most facile winner since its inception – a handsome bay colt named Dandified, sired by Rebuttal out of Dandoona, from the stable of Vijay Singh.

Running in the famous red-and-gold colours of Mr Deepak Khaitan, Dandified gave Christopher Alford the smoothest ride he could have ever dreamt of. His only dilemma was when to look back in the straight. He was turning back well before the distance post and continued to do so every 50 metres or so. Most amazingly though, he had completely eased up his mount in the straight but the victory margin continued to increase.

Though the rest of field don’t deserve a mention, here’s a brief summary of the race for the academicians. Dandified closed as the 55 paise favourite, while the next in demand was stablemate Secrecy (6/1) with Suraj Narredu atop. As the gates opened, it was the filly Amor Amor who decided to call the shots till Aerator took over mid-way through the 2000 metres trip. Meanwhile Dandified moved up gradually from the last berth till he was a handy second passing the 600m marker. He hit the front before the turning for home and the rest was history. Suraj did his best to get Secrecy into top gear and the filly ended up a faraway second with Secret Visit further behind in third slot.

The point to ponder after this race is ‘Will Dandified be another Elusive Pimpernel for the Khaitan clan?’. It’s probably too early to say but the colt’s stunning win has definitely given the cognoscenti food for thought and the owners of the Hazara Stud farm (where Rebuttal stands) much to rave about.

Barring Abronia’s (Captain Rio-Glorieuse) win in the Alice Springs Trophy, the rest of the day was an utter disaster for punters. The Darius Byramji-trained filly was ridden flawlessly by Shailesh Shinde to sail past Must Be Magic for an impressive win. The same cannot be said about Suraj Narredu’s handling of Imperial Delight in the Alternator Trophy which left much to be desired. The normally forward colt was held in the last berth after Accardo hit the front. Suraj then gave the inexperienced three-year-old a lot to do in the straight after taking him four wide. It was a poor and unexpected ride from such an experienced horseman. Vikash Jaiswal-trained Accardo (Flitch-Crown Dancer) went on to win in the hands of Md Islam.

Islam completed a brace when he bagged the Stewards Trophy with nine-year-old Samarkhand (Greensmith-Anthalia). The chestnut from Patrick Quinn’s yard came with giant strides in the final furlong to pip Arktouros while the favourite Regal Classic appeared to lack the potential needed in a Terms race. Most runners find it a difficult transition – to jump from handicap races to Terms races. The seasoned performer that he is, Arktouros was once again right up there with the podium finishers.

Farley Rodrigues-trained Girl Of Flowers (Greensmith – Vedic Chants) was yet another shocker as she flew past the field to bag the Desert Shot Trophy. Surjeet Singh picked up a rare win of the season. The favourite Catchphrase had all the chances but failed to accelerate at a crucial juncture. As for Melody Belle and Alpine Count - they were never in it. Blue Mountain was a poor fifth.

The afternoon commenced with the quietly fancied Vikash Jaiswal-trained Pine Valley (Ontario-Mystery Mood) bagging the Ascriptive Trophy in style. The chestnut was piloted by Deep Shanker. The favourite Let Her Dance appeared to be struggling with her impost while Harey Putter ran like a dud.

The same can be said for Magical Star in the afternoon’s last race. The colt bid adieu to the local track after the last race as he is set to depart for Chennai with several other s on Sunday. The on-money public choice Songstress is another who found her penalty hard to overcome.The race was won by Robert Gowli’s Baskerville (Ontario-Hounds Of Love) who put his useful mock race to good use in the hands of M Ali Khan.